Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Alex, I think we mentioned it to you, but we're having a semi-formal event tomorrow night,” Sofia said when she joined him in their father’s office. “We'd love for you to be there since you're in town.”
“You did but I tuned you out,” Alex said with a sheepish look as he spun the chair he was sitting in to face her.
“Come on, now. Wearing a suit for one night won’t hurt you.
It’s a big night for us. We’re celebrating hitting some important milestones.
Our biggest clients have been invited as well as the staff and their families.
It’s not a huge event, but an important one,” Leonardo said as leaned on his desk, finishing his coffee.
Her hands in prayer pose in front of her, Sofia asked with puppy dog eyes. “Pleeeease, Alex?”
“Yeah, yeah I’ll come,” he said, pretending to be put out. “Can I bring someone?” Alex asked as he looked up at his dad.
“You mean, can you bring, Aria?” Leonardo said with a head tilt. Sofia laughed loudly. “Yes, of course. I'd love to meet her again. Sofia said I had when they were in school, but I don’t remember.”
Alex left the office quickly to call Aria since it was such short notice. He thought about Gio and shrugged.
All is fair in love and war.
He walked into the empty break room a few doors down, thankful for the privacy.
“Hey, Alex,” Aria said cheerfully when she answered.
“Hey. Sorry to call while you’re working, but Sofia and my dad reminded me of an event they’re having for Aura tomorrow night. I know it’s short notice. But I was hoping you might like to come with me.”
Sofia passed by the open door and heard what Alex had said and yelled, “Tell her there’s a DJ. Aria loves to dance if I remember right.”
She laughed as Alex’s face fell.
He recovered when he heard Aria say, “Oh wow! I haven’t been dancing in years. Yes, I’d love to come. Is it fancy?”
Grimacing, Alex answered, “Unfortunately, yes. I’ve been told I need a suit. It’s semi-formal, but wear anything you’d like.
“No, no. I have a dress that should work.”
“Sorry I’m not giving you much time. I’ll double-check with Sofia on the details, but I’ll pick you up.”
“I’m heading into a conference call now, but I’ll see you tomorrow night. Oh, shoot. Wait, I have to meet with the printer tomorrow after work, so I’ll meet you there. I may be a little late.”
“That’s no problem. See you tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you again.”
Jubilant, Alex hung up and texted Leonardo for the information. He paused when the reality hit his stomach like a brick.
He then sent a frantic group text to Adrian, Sofia, and Enzo.
Alex: Ah, guys, I'm going to need some help. I told Aria about the DJ at the Aura function, and she got really excited about dancing. I now have only tonight and tomorrow morning to learn how to slow dance.
Sofia: You'll need more time than that. You're asking for a miracle.
Alex walked out to the hallway, craning his neck to find his sister.
Alex: Where are you? I’m gonna wring your neck. This is all your fault.
Enzo: When was the last time you went dancing, Rossi?
Adrian sent a dancing emoji.
Adrian: Sorry, bro. That's not a mission that's possible.
Alex rolled his eyes.
Alex: I know how to dance to fast music.
Sofia: No, you don't.
Alex: Meet me at my house tonight. I need all of you. Don't bail on me.
The group agreed to meet at 7:00pm, so Alex left the office to look for a nice suit. He was planning to sweep Aria Bianchi off her feet if it was the last thing he did.
Later that night, the gang was all gathered at Leonardo’s house. After moving some of the furniture to make room, drinks were passed out as they gathered for their strategy meeting.
“Alright, stand up, Alex. Show us what we're working with,” Sofia said, trying to hide her laugh.
Adrian whispered to her and Enzo, “I didn't know Alex could dance.”
Leonardo chuckled behind his glass of wine.
“He can’t,” Sofia whispered back. “Just watch.”
Enzo put some hip-hop style music on, the strong rhythmic beat filling the room. All eyes were on Alex as his head bobbed to the beat.
“Anytime you're ready, brother,” Sofia mocked.
“I'm getting there. Give me a minute, will ya? It's been a while,” Alex snapped.
Alex bounced his body up and down to the loud bass, pointing his fingers like a gun, crossing them in front of his face for an added effect and pursing his lips. His shoulders swayed as his feet followed, all while sporting a smile that hid no teeth.
“What are you doing with your hands, bro?” yelled Adrian over the throbbing music.
“Oh, he's just getting started,” Sofia laughed. “Sit back and enjoy the show, my friends. You will now witness something you won't soon forget.”
When the song was finished, he smiled triumphantly, breathing heavily from the exertion. “See. I told you. I got that part down. I only need help with the slow dancing.”
Enzo, Sofia, and Adrian simultaneously shook their heads.
“No, absolutely not, Alex. If you don't want Aria to run screaming from the dance floor, we beg you, do not do that!” Enzo said.
Adrian spoke up. “Well, I can’t say that you’d make it very far on one of those celebrity dance shows. Man, that was awful.”
Scowling, Alex drained half his bottle of water.
“It’s not that bad,” he growled, looking to his dad for support.
“Eh, I have some paperwork to do,” Leonardo said, making a hasty retreat to his home office. Alex hung his head in defeat.
“Okay, here’s the plan,” Sofia said, holding her hand out for Adrian to help her off the sofa. “No fast songs. None! Got it?”
“Fine,” Alex answered with disdain.
“We don’t have time to do anything but work on the slow dancing. I’m sure that’s more important to you, right?” she asked, her eyebrows waggling.
Adrian and Enzo joined in, making kissing noises and hugging themselves.
Alex reached over and smacked both in the backs of their heads.
“How old are you?” he spit out.
“Adrian, turn on a nice romantic song. Enzo, get behind him and position his hands. Alex, come here,” Sofia demanded like she was heading up a military strike.
Alex stomped over to where she stood with her arms open in front of the fireplace mantel.
With Sofia barking out orders, Enzo held Alex’s arms out and pushed his chin up as Sofia slid in front of him.
“Okay, feel the rhythm of the song, nice and slow,” she said, looking up at her brother. “And don’t step on my feet with your giant clodhopper shoes.”
“I don’t have an issue feeling the beat, Sofia.”
“Obviously,” Enzo, Sofia and Adrian said sarcastically in unison.
“Ugh, Alex. You’re ruining my pedicure.”
“Man, forget it. We can’t teach him how to waltz in just a few hours,” Adrian said. “Let me have a try. I’m the best dancer out of all of us.”
“Why can’t I get a shot? You’re no better than me,” Enzo barked.
“You’re too short, little man. His big feet are going to crush your wittle tootsies,” Adrian said while Sofia snickered.
Glaring at Alex, Enzo growled, “That’s low man. Why did you ever tell him that stupid nickname from school?”
“Will you guys shut up and take this seriously? I don’t want to make a fool of myself with Aria,” Alex grumbled, dropping his hands and pushing Adrian away.
“Fine, fine. Listen. Just sway. Side to side. Don’t worry about moving around. Go on, try it,” Sofia barked, back in drill sergeant mode.
Alex sighed heavily, pushing his hair into a ponytail with a band he found in his jeans pocket. Shaking his hands out in preparation, he did as he was told.
Ten minutes later, he was starting to get the hang of it. Sofia joined him again and he only stepped on her feet a few more times.
“I think our work is done,” Adrian said as he stood to leave.
“Good luck, man,” Enzo said, tapping Alex on the back.
“Thanks, guys. And Enzo, I promise to dance with you next time,” Alex said.
Enzo pushed him when Alex tried to hug him.